Why Massachusetts drives Conservatives crazy

I wrote this post after watching many of the Republican Presidential Primary candidates lambaste Massachusetts. After one such debate I got fed up and wrote the following early in January 2012.

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Massachusetts has long been viewed (and probably rightfully so) as one of the most liberal states in the nation. Social activists, academia, and politicians from Massachusetts have been a strong and consistent voice for the Left in a nation that is increasingly leaning Right.

“We’re thinking of having a Massachusetts rally at some point in New Hampshire, sort of a please don’t turn America into Massachusetts” – Newt Gingrich

Conservatives nash their teeth and say “Massachusetts” as a pejorative, and the current Republican Presidential candidates are no exception. But all kidding aside, what is it that bothers Conservatives? Here’s a quick look at some of the things that I think makes my state one to be emulated rather than ridiculed.

Massachusetts unemployment rate (while still too high) has consistently remained well below the national average. If you only consider states with a sizable population (5 million or more) only Maryland, Minnesota and Virginia have lower unemployment rates. (Source)

No matter how you measure it, MA has one of the healthiest populations with one of the lowest rates of obesity and fewest smokers. In 2006, we became the first (and only) state to mandate universal healthcare so all residents have access to health insurance. (Source)

Despite claims MA is destroying American families (MA – the 1st state to legalize same sex marriage in 2004), we have the lowest divorce rate in the US (1.8% per 1,000 people). (Source)

Massachusetts is one of the wealthiest states in the country (by the way that means we have less people as a percentage of our population relying on welfare and other social programs Conservatives seem to hate so much). (Source) It also happens to be one of the few states to see childhood poverty rates drop. (Source)

One reason Massachusetts may be so wealthy is because as a percentage of the population, more people in our state hold a college degree than any other (not including Washington D.C.), making our state’s population one of the most highly educated in the US. (Source)

Massachusetts has its share of problems, but we are learning from past mistakes and leading the nation by many measures. So the next time you hear a Conservative bashing my state, pause and ask them what exactly about the quality of life we have here bothers them so much.